Emma Atkinson, the downhill mountain bike racer from Farr who finished second in her first British Nationals Points Series race in April, heads to Maribor in Slovenia this week to compete in a Downhill World Cup Series event.

This is the first time she will race abroad, although she has some recent World Cup experience having raced in Fort William last weekend.

“It was a good experience,” said Emma, who surprisingly has been racing for just over a year.  “On the Saturday in Fort William I got the fastest junior time but you had to be in the top 20 to qualify for the final on Sunday.

“I got 22nd which was a bit annoying but good experience and I was racing against women, including the world champion.”

Earlier this year Emma was put forward by Scottish Cycling for the Highland Institute of Sport, which helps Scottish governing body-identified athletes by providing high performance expertise.  In being selected she has access to essential support services locally in sports medicine, sports science, strength and conditioning, and career and lifestyle guidance.

This weekend will give her a good opportunity to gauge her progress.

“This will be the first time I’ve been abroad with my bike,” she said.  “I’m really looking forward to it, I’m hoping to put all the training to good use and hoping to qualify for the Sunday.

“I entered the two World Cup events mainly for experience.  Next year I’m hoping to do the whole World Cup series and would like to compete in World Championships.”